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Corten Steel Pathway Enhances Geological Experience With Panoramic Views Over Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Jan Sikora, Andrzej Marek, Mattia Petrini, Sergio Perez
Corten Steel Pathway Enhances Geological Experience With Panoramic Views Over Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

A weathered Corten steel pathway guides visitors through a carefully crafted experience that unfurls panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, seamlessly linking nature with education and inviting exploration of geological wonders.
5 key facts about this project
01
The pathway is constructed from weathered Corten steel, blending seamlessly with the volcanic terrain.
02
Glass flooring elements provide transparency and a unique interaction with the landscape below.
03
The design features a bent A-frame structure that enhances stability while offering expansive views.
04
Educational displays along the pathway engage visitors with the site’s geological history.
05
Strategic observation decks are positioned to reveal the volcano’s features gradually, enhancing the visitor experience.
The Time Volcano Observatory is an architectural project designed to serve as a unique educational and observational facility located near a volcano. The architecture reflects a deep engagement with the surrounding landscape, intended to enhance the visitor's experience through a carefully designed pathway that culminates in an expansive viewing area. This project represents a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, inviting exploration and contemplation of the geological phenomena that characterize the region.

Functionally, the Time Volcano Observatory is designed to guide visitors gradually towards a panoramic viewpoint, encouraging a journey that parallels the geological history of the site. The pathway, which meanders through the terrain, physically embodies the concept of time, taking visitors from an initial open space into a more intimate environment before ultimately revealing breathtaking views of the volcano. This progressive reveal is a central design element, allowing participants to reflect on their surroundings and the natural forces at play.

Key components of the observatory include a winding pathway paved with Corten steel, which naturally integrates into the rocky landscape. This choice of material not only offers durability but also a weathered appearance that resonates with the earthy qualities of the volcano's environment. The pathway features areas of glass flooring, strategically placed to create a sense of transparency and lightness, allowing visitors to feel connected to the ground beneath them while facilitating views of the landscape below. Additionally, strategically positioned observation decks provide optimal sightlines for appreciating the geological features, while also presenting opportunities for educational displays and interactive elements that educate the public about the science of volcanoes.

Architecturally, the observatory employs a steel structure that supports both the integrity of the building and its aesthetic appeal. The frame is designed to accommodate the challenging environmental conditions typical of volcanic regions while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance. Building elements are thoughtfully positioned to ensure minimal disruption to the natural site, emphasizing the commitment to environmental sensitivity that is increasingly important in contemporary architecture.

From a unique design perspective, the Time Volcano Observatory stands out for its innovative approach to blending a functional space with an immersive experience. The architecture encourages visitors to reflect on the passage of time and the natural processes that shape the landscape. Instead of merely providing a viewing platform, the observatory invites engagement, allowing individuals to interact meaningfully with their surroundings. By incorporating both tactile materials and visual connections to the landscape, the design fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The observatory’s narrative unfolds as visitors experience varying degrees of intimacy with the landscape, moving from broader vistas to more secluded moments along the pathway. This thoughtful gradation instills a sense of progression, mirroring the study of natural history and geological time. By facilitating a deeper connection between visitors and the environment, the Time Volcano Observatory serves as a model of how architecture can engage with nature while also fulfilling educational objectives.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Time Volcano Observatory's design, readers are encouraged to explore the accompanying project presentation. Detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs provide further insights into the innovative concepts and architectural ideas that inform this project. The exploration of these elements will enhance appreciation of the thoughtful integration between architecture and the surrounding volcanic landscape, underscoring the observatory's role as an educational tool and a contemplative space.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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